Amos delays return, pursues coaching course
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 22, 2025 15:04
In 2022, the Olympic Silver medallist was suspended for three years after testing positive for a banned substance and was due to return to the track this year with his eyes on next month's World Championships in Tokyo. Amos told MmegiSport that he has been in Zimbabwe doing a World Athletics coaching course, Level One. He said the training is part of his retirement plan. “My plan was to come back this season, but I did not want to put myself under pressure. I will bounce back next season. What kept me going strong during suspension was that I had unfinished business out there in that particular area of my life. I am a firm believer in seeing things through to that end,” the 31-year-old said.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) will send a strong team to the upcoming World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. Head coach Chilume Ntshwarang told MmegiSport that they have assembled a strong team due to the depth they have; even the men's 4x400m relay team is at the same level it was last year. “The team is coming up well, most of the athletes are peaking at the right time. I cannot talk about the medal target at the moment, we can talk about that after the Diamond League final next week,” he said.
Lee Bhekimpilo Eppie became the latest athlete to book himself a slot at the World Athletics Championships in Francistown over the weekend, clocking 44.40s, beating Bayapo Ndori (44.69). and Zibani Ngozi (45.01). In Poland, Oratile Nowe continued her obliteration of the 800m national record (NR), setting a new mark at 1:56.76, shaving off 0.73 of her previous record of 1:57.49. But Nowe faced a strong field at the Lausanne Diamond League on Wednesday evening, finishing in position five with a time of 1:58.63. It was also a tough evening for Tshepiso Masalela, who completed his 800m in position six with a time of 1:44.51. “I am excited about Nowe’s performance; her graph is pushing up towards the championships, that is a good sign,” Ntshwarang said.
Botswana World Championships Team
Letsile Tebogo (100m, 200m), Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (200m, 400m), Bayapo Ndori (400m), Lee Eppie (400m), Leungo Scotch (400m), Justice Oratile (400m), Kabo Rankgwe (400m), Victor Ntweng (400MH), Kemorena Tisang (400MH), Tshepiso Masalela (800m), Kethobogile Haingura (800m), Tumo Nkape (800m), and Oratile Nowe (800m). Team officials: Keamogetse Rancholo (team leader), Tebatso Omphithetse (technical manager), Larona Koosimile (team administration officer), Ntshwarang (head coach), Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane (coach), Johnson Kubisa (coach), Aldrin Nchidzi Majaye (massage therapist), Collen Amogelang Lebanna (physiotherapist), Clement Gaothuse (physiotherapist), and Gaorekwe Violet Labane (psychologist).